Thousands of enthralled spectators watched the night skies over west Suffolk light up with showers of glittering golden rains and colourful rockets in a pyrotechnic extravaganza.

A display featuring more than £11,500 of fireworks ensured that Long Melford’s 45th annual Big Night Out sparkled in spectacular fashion.

Earlier in the year, organising committee Project 7 announced it may not be able to stage a Big Night Out in 2014, due to a shortage of volunteers to help organise the event.

But set against a musical background themed “Best of British”, the show held in the grounds of Long Melford Hall attracted a crowd of around 7,000 people of all ages, keen to show organisers that they do not want this much-loved village tradition to end.

The giant bonfire was topped with Guy Fawkes dummies produced by Long Melford Primary School students for an annual competition. These included the winning creation by seven-year-old Lewis Bedwell.

The fire was again lit at the earlier time of 7.30pm, with the firework show kicking off at 8.15pm set to a soundtrack of British classics from the Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie and Arctic Monkeys.

Families were able to enjoy an array of funfair rides, side shows and stalls.

Before the main event, brave souls prepared to get their feet warm and toasty in the name of a good cause took part in a firewalk to raise funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care in Bury St Edmunds.

A decision on next year’s Big Night Out will be taken during the coming weeks.